About Us

Vision, Mission, Values

Our Vision

To be a global leader in improving the quality of communication for people across the lifespan and promote access and inclusion within their communities. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance communication among people from diverse backgrounds in any of the languages and communication forms they use: speech and hearing, reading and writing, signing and cueing, and alternative forms of communication by: 

  • Advancing research to increase the scientific understanding of communication among people with and without communication disorders.
  • Educating and mentoring scientists, clinicians, and students to provide evidence-based practices that are individualized to people’s abilities and needs.
  • Developing culturally and linguistically relevant and sensitive practices.  
  • Operating state-of-the-art teaching clinics that provide high-quality diagnostic and treatment services to diverse populations.  
  • Advocating for and raising awareness of the communication needs, accessibility needs, and the rights of Deaf people and of those with speech, language, and hearing disorders.
  • Becoming globally recognized for generating, disseminating, and applying knowledge in research, teaching, and clinical practice.  

Our Core Values

  • Integrity: Maintain ethical conduct in clinical services, research, teaching, and service.
  • Respect: Provide fair and equitable opportunities for learning, research, clinical services, and interpersonal relationships among faculty, staff, students, and community members.  We respect and value the inherent dignity of all individuals regardless of their identities, abilities, and backgrounds.  
  • Collaboration: Promote mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationships at the department, college, university, and community levels.
  • Scholarship: Generate knowledge to improve communication, disseminate research in partnership with a broad range of audiences, and apply the outcomes in clinical practice.  
  • Service: Serve the department, college, university, profession, and community.
  • Innovation: Develop innovative research, teaching, and clinical practices.